Immigration

One of the most important themes in "The Last Letter Home" is obviously immigration as the main characters and most of the minor characters are Swedish immigrants who have settled in Minnesota. Moreover, the main focus of the novel seems to be the difficulties these immigrants face after relocating their families halfway across the world. After becoming American citizens, these immigrants change their new country even as America changes these individuals. When the Civil War breaks out, the Swedish settlers form their own company, likely to demonstrate their loyalty and patriotism. In Chapter II, Kristina's thoughts make it evident that she did not want to immigrate but was coerced by her husband, and her discomfort with the English language reveals one of the difficulties of assimilating into American culture. Anders Mansson's death is attributed to his inability to adhere to the immigrant's first rule: not to regret one's...